India Inc's May foreign borrowings at $1 billion
27 Jun 2017 7:23 PM GMT
Indian industry borrowed $1.05 billion from foreign markets last month, including through rupee denominated bonds (RDBs).
In contrast, the borrowings were $1.32 billion in May last year. However, the two sets of data are not comparable as the RDB route was not there until September. As per RBI data, of the total in May this year, external commercial borrowings (ECB) and RDBs contributed almost equally at $523.95 million and $525.76 million respectively.
But June onwards, it may be difficult for companies to float rupee bonds overseas as they will be subject to scrutiny from Reserve Bank's Foreign Exchange Department before every such issue.
Six entities issued rupee bonds – popularly referred to as masala bonds – including the National Highways Authority of India's $465.66 million (Rs 3,000 crore) for road construction.
J M Enviro Technologies Pvt Ltd raised $32.91 million (Rs 212 crore) and HM Industrial $23.28 million (Rs 150 crore) through RDBs.
Those among taking the ECB window were Idea Cellular ($214 million) for refinancing of earlier such borrowing, Renew Wind Energy ($73.10 million) for power generation and Crown Beers India ($54.33 million) for general corporate purpose.
Next Story
